Models marked "Manufactured 9/99" and before in the back of the player can
be made region codefree and have macrovision disabled just
by using the remote
control.

These sell at Circuit City for about $149-169. It is being replaced this
year with an updated model. If you can't find one at one of your local CC
stores, there are reports that the central region warehouse still has hundreds
left. The salesperson can order it for you at no additional charge. Ask for
model number "APX AD-600A" or "APX AD600A". I've also found a lot of them
on eBay, but, as of February 2000, they have been auctioning for $227-285
each.

This player does not have a decoder built in, so you will need an A/V receiver
with Dolby Digital 5.1 and/or dts decoding. If not, you can use the analog
audio plugs and just be content with regular stereo or Dolby pro Logic.

*(if you disable CSS, it will not play non-Region 1 DVD's; however, if you
keep CSS enabled, it will play a DVD from any region if you have set it with
the secret menu instructions)

Cons:
No optical digital output
No longer being manufactured

Region Coding:
Worked fined with a couple of Region 2 DVD's. I initially had CSS disabled,
which gave a massively pixelated picture. After enabling it again, it played
the Region 2 DVD's fine.

MP3:
It does indeed play MP3 files, even with discs with subdirectories by pushing
the "Program" button. You can either play them straight through (no
rewinding or fast forwarding within a MP3 file) or shuffle (random)
through them, but playlists are not supported. Low bitrate MP3's (24 or 32
kbps) do not appear to work, but 128kps or higher had no problems. File names
with more than 8 characters are truncated (i.e. TENCHIN1) on the display,
but they play fine.

Miscellaneous:
The menu is very fast - the fastest I've ever seen. The remote doesn't have
a toggle switch (surprise, surprise), but at least it's better than the Pioneer
remote. Heck, anything is better than the Pioneer remote. Go to the
unofficial unit home page (first
entry under "Info Links"). It has more information and pictures than you
can shake a stick at. By all reports, this company does not even have
a web site yet. Still, by far, it is one of the only true bargains I have
ever bought in my life. And that includes getting my Toshiba 3107 for $500
below MSRP.

We meet at 1pm one Saturday a month for anime fans in Northern Virginia.
We show DVD, LD, and VHS anime at the Fairfax County Government Center
on a 61" rear projection TV and/or a 10 foot screen via an LCD projector.
Dolby Digital 5.1 audio is provided at selected events. We
also discuss: plans for attending future conventions, manga comics,
hot upcoming animes, and many other topics. Some food is provided;
snacks are appreciated. Admission and membership are both free. Walk-ins
are welcome. Look for our commercial in the upcoming Gundam Wing episodes
on Fairfax County's Cox Cable.